9.2 Both types of sign can include more than one destination on the same line. A comma is used to separate two place names in the same block (e.g. Leicester, Nottingham). A comma is also used where there are two blocks on the same line (e.g. Rickwell (B1555), Axtley B1234). Note that the horizontal gap is increased for block spacing. Where the first block ends with a patched route number a comma is not used, but the horizontal gap is increased to 4sw.
9.3 The non lane drop sign is similar in design to a stack type sign with regard to the positioning of the arrows. The assembly comprises two signs, one above the other. The lower sign should normally be centred over the main carriageway. The upper sign is offset to the left by the dimensions shown, so that the inclined arrow is not directly above the lower sign. Where the upper sign is much longer than the lower sign, the assembly should be arranged so that the arrow on the lower sign is not directly below the upper sign. In some cases it may be necessary to shorten the upper sign by stacking the destinations vertically. Where the main carriageway bends to the right, both arrows may be turned through 22.5° in a clockwise direction (the angle between the two arrows remaining at 45°). The length of the arrow is generally 16sw, but this is reduced to 14sw for a vertical arrow alongside a single line legend. The distance to the junction may be added as shown.
9.4 The downward pointing arrows on the lane drop sign should be centred over the traffic lanes to which they apply. In some cases it may be necessary to extend the width of the sign to cover the appropriate lanes. When this is done, the horizontal spacing rules do not change, except that the gaps to the side borders are increased (the legend being centred horizontally on the sign). The horizontal bar is always positioned 2.5sw from each side border (i.e. it may extend beyond the legend above). An example is shown in figure 9-3. The sign should cover at least three-quarters of the width of any lane to which it applies. Where the legend is in a panel (see para 9.9 and figure 9-5) the panel is not extended when the width of the main sign is extended. Where a single lane is indicated, the width of the sign may be greater than the lane width. In this case the sign may extend over part of the adjoining lane, but by no more than a quarter of a lane width. The sign may also be extended over any adjoining hard strip or verge. Abbreviated place names may be used to reduce the width of the sign. Any reduction in x-height in order to produce a smaller sign is strongly deprecated, because service to drivers is then markedly reduced. This can have significant road safety implications, and causes particular problems to older drivers, who tend to have slower reactions and less acute eyesight.
9.5 The distance to the junction may be added to a lane drop sign, as shown in figure 9-1.
9.6 Both types of sign may include a junction name panel at the top of the assembly. This should appear only on the first sign on the approach to the junction and would normally include the distance to the junction. Examples are shown in figure 9-4.
86
